2016 Astra Sports Tourer model is lightier, roomier and more fuel-efficient than ever

Vauxhall has lifted the wraps on its new Astra Sports Tourer. The estate version of the Astra has more passenger room and a full 1630 litres of luggage space when the back seats are folded.

The car is lighter than its predecessor, too, despite being almost exactly the same size on the outside, with a more efficient platform saving a like-for-like 200kg.

Under the bonnet, the choice of engines will include various petrol units developing 99, 148 and 198bhp respectively, and there’ll also be a 1.6 diesel. Fuel economy should be improved by the car’s lower weight, and the use of space in the back can be enhanced using Vauxhall’s FlexOrganiser package.

Further options include gesture control of the tailgate, which will open and close automatically at the waggle of a toe beneath the back bonnet.

The new Astra Sports Tourer is expected to start at around £17,000 when it goes on sale next month. That sees prices more or less pegged to the old model – beside which it now looks like better value than ever.